For 83 minutes a 0-0 stalemate seemed the inevitable outcome between Las Zocas and CD Marino but a late flurry caught the visitors with their guard down and the home side overturned a goal deficit for a 2-1 victory. It was my first visit to this tight little ground, they have an artificial pitch but real fans, plenty of vocal encouragement and a few drums.

Marino coach Espinel had to shuffle an injury ravaged pack but the first half play was pretty dour and from both sides with too many high balls and niggling fouls preventing either from establishing superiority. Lamine ran out of steam as he chased an early half chance and captain Airam was off target with his shot. Christofer broke down the right for Las Zocas but his wild attempt was high and wide. Kevin Castro was giving the home defence a hard time down the left flank, 13 goal Balduino was one of the missing players and it showed when the ball was put into the goal mouth.

Adan was a constant danger to Marino, he was unlucky when he took the ball wide and launched a slice shot that didn’t miss the goal by much. Sergio had to be at his best when Adan bore down on him just before the break, the keeper ran out and forced the ball away with a solid tackle. Las Zocas had a claim for handball in the penalty area denied and the first half ended with Castro running into the concrete terracing close to the pitch, thankfully he was just dazed and the break was very welcome for him.

Sergio had a busy start to the second half, first charging out to kick clear danger, followed by a smart save down at the left post. Cristian Barrios tested Aitor in the home goal, he responded well tipping aside a crisp shot. A scramble for the ball involving Barrios and defender Nacor left the ball loose, again Aitor mopped up. Las Zocas had the easiest of chances as a cross rolled slowly just in front of the Marino goal mouth, it was begging to be tapped in but a weak shot took it to Sergio.

Marino had the ball in the back of their hosts net after 68 minutes, Airam had provided the touch, the linesman was waving his flag for offside and it was not given. Home sub Kevin added some spice, he went close with a one on one followed up with a header that Sergio took with some ease. As the sun set most of the 300 crowd were resigned to a 0-0 but the game burst into life, first Airam tucked in a good cross to grab a Marino lead.

Celebrations had barely died down when Las Zocas hit back through Hector finishing off a break down the left wing. Maybe a lack of some more experienced heads cost Marino in the final minutes, the home team were fired up and hungry and charged at the blues. Deep into stoppage time a free kick from Christofer found Hector close in on goal and he converted his chance for a vital victory that will go a long way to staving off relegation for Las Zocas.

The weather, the terrain, and the views are constantly changing on the Almendro en Flor (also known as the almond blossom walk) but one thing remains constant, the beauty of nature as it unlocks its secrets.

It was a chilly 7 degrees as I arrived in Santiago del Teide but the low, wandering cloud (wasn’t he an Indian Chief?) was parting and as I strode out on the well signed pathway behind the church plaza. The sun shone as a strung out army of walkers picked and clicked their way upward but it soon went missing to be replaced with a cool breeze laced with small flecks of moisture. Maybe I should have shoved my jeans in my pack back but at least I had a coat to add to my layers.

This was my fourth annual almond inspired treat, the blossom was at an advanced stage with trees covered with white, and pink flowers. At the first opening along the track the reservoir was full to the brim unlike last years meagre level. Looking back beyond Santiago del Teide to the popular steep road that accesses Masca there was bright sunshine, it can change so quickly up the western side of Tenerife. The complete walk is 9 kms, the first big milestone is the shrine at the spot where the Chinyero eruption of 2009 stopped short of the virgins statue that had been wheeled out from the church. It had taken an hour for me to get this far, 3.6 kms, I took a nosebag break and chatted to a few other walkers, some from mainland Spain, some German visitors, and some on holiday from France.

Pushing on the lava fields provided challenging footholds as we were funneled between big banks of craggy lava. The pine forests began to appear at the distant sides of our trail, the swirls of moisture laden clouds were feeding the earth via the needles of the pines, nature doesn’t waste anything. At points the uneven surface gave way to yellow brown soil before the rocks rose back up around as like silent guardians. Entering the edge of the pine forest the trail became smoother but undulated up and down around clusters of thick twisted roots. At this point in previous years I had been greeted with clear views of the snow covered side of Mount Teide, this time there was much less of a covering but as the cloud blew aside it still gave an inspiring glimpse of the peak highlighted by a generous serving of blue sky.

Some walkers were tackling the route from the Arguayo end so there were plenty of new people to pass as well as the ones I kept switching places with after stopping for more photos. The final stretch brought more low whispy cloud creating an eerie dreamscape. The walk is almost circular so Santiago del Teide came into view again and the gentle peel of the church bell added to the overall enjoyment.

The descent into Arguayo is a zig zag route through terraced farm land where almonds are grown in large numbers for export as well as the delicious sauces and pastes that many of the local bars and restaurants are showcasing until the 28 February. The coat and jumper were back in my bag by the time I hit the sunny streets of Arguayo. A 462 Titsa bus (2.30 and 4.30 pm) took me back through Santiago del Teide and on to Los Gigantes before heading back to Los Cristianos. The three and a half hour walk had again exceeded the previous years rewards – I can’t wait for next year.

Luxurious cruise ships spilled out thousands of passengers to swell the Carnaval streets of Santa Cruz but for me the visiting Spanish Navy ship Relampago (lightning) was the pride of the port. Friday 13th seemed an appropriate time to take up an invite to tour the headquarters of the emergency services 112 Canarias and that had made a good start to thee day – but more of that later.

Carnaval fever builds steadily but there was a buzz in the air as fancy dress stalked the city streets for the evenings Cabalgata opening parade. The trams were coupled together (well it was Valentines the next day) and pulling double loads of passengers, the temporary police and hospital compound was on standby, and food stalls were wafting delicious odours through the streets. In Calle Castillo there was an outbreak of oohs and aahs as a gang of little chicks were guided down the main shopping artery. Had I stumbled on a scandal, one of the small birds was chomping on a biscuit, maybe an energy enhancer – or maybe she was just peckish.

I knew the port would be busy but the sight of the grey patrol ship with the gangplank extended gladdened my heart, the female officer at the check in table was very welcome too. There were only a few people waiting to go on board so it was a nice relaxed tour starting on the helicopter pad before being led into the hanger where a video screen was showing the ship in action on the high seas with the theme from The Rock providing a suitably strident backing.

Relampago is a new meteor class ship, launched from Cartegena in October 2010 and carrying out protection duties against pirates off Somalia and more lately based in Las Palmas. The current crew of 51 are packed into a 93 metre long and 14 metre wide hull under Captain Alfredo Saco Diaz. The guns are always a big attraction, leading the way was a 76 mm canon backed up with two 25 mm auto mountings, and two 12.7 mm machine guns. Many of the crew were on shore leave but our guide took us down through the narrow corridors of the ship and up onto the bridge. I suppose I’m a bit of a ship spotter as I always check out the port and have a big file of photos of the vessels that have passed through Tenerife.

Back at the ferry terminal a stream of well healed cruise ship passengers shuttled in and out of the city centre, the pre Carnaval activities must have impressed them. As well as the giant stage in Plaza de La Candelaria there was another whopper near the port in Avenida Anaga and they were doing sound checks ahead of a reggae evening. As always Santa Cruz had delivered more than I had expected.

Three lessons may have been learnt by new CD Tenerife coach Raul Agne on his debut, a poor 0-1 home defeat to Girona. Aridane is a waste of space, Tenerife doesn’t always have perfect weather, and the fans want a lot more changes to restore their faith in the club. With little time to assess his new players Agne went for a safe line up and Aridane had a chance to impress in the opening minutes when he found himself through on goal but he wasn’t strong enough and the goalie snuffed out the threat.

Girona had plenty of class to offer and Sanchon ripped Tenerife open down their left flank with Moyano looking slow and unsure. The coach had the back four playing far up the field, a tactic that has worked well for Pochettino at Southampton and Spurs but it takes time to adapt to, the home players were finding it difficult to track back, the pouring rain can’t have helped. Sanchon broke again and set up Sandaza who fired wide. The warning wasn’t headed and the next wave brought the goal after a scrambled clearance led to a Sanchon corner, Carlos Ruiz was particularly slack allowing Lejeune plenty of space on the edge of the box to power a header past Dani Hernandez.

There was more pressure to soak up, Vitolo made some timely interventions and Dani made a couple of fine saves including one down at the post. Sandaza fluffed his chance to increase the lead with a weak shot on the half hour and Sanchon was thwarted by a crunching Camara tackle and a strong punch from Dani just before the break. Agne must have felt a little shell shocked during the interval but tried to change things by bringing on Juan Carlos Real for Cristo Martin. Albizua tested the visiting keeper with a header but he took it with ease. It was no surprise when the slow and ineffective Aridane was taken off, Victor replaced him to add some movement to the team and got in a good position only to sky the ball over the goal. Frustration was creeping in, Suso was hitting dead ends down the right, Cristo Gonzalez was a welcome final sub as Aitor Sanz departed, the 17 year old striker looked confident and eager to attack the ball. New striker Abdon Prats will have to wait aother day for his debut.

The crowd was down , this time just 6,489 had braved the awful weather and with the game slipping away the chants started again for President Concepcion to go. A large banner also demanded that Concepcion and Sporting Director Serrano follow coach Cervera out of the club. Into injury time and a clear handball by Cifuentes in the penalty area was spotted by everyone except the ref, that snub brought howls of protest and a couple of plastic bottles were thrown on the pitch just missing the linesman. It was not a pleasant end to a poor game, Agne has now seen the grisly picture at first hand – the training ground will not be a place for the faint hearted this week.

How can I stay still when Tenerife keeps changing and there are so many ways to explore. As always I am intending to do even more mooching around in 2015, this week it was a short walking route, Casas de Altavista above Arona town and last week I swept around the island on a Tamaran Jeep Safari, both brought their own rewards.

The jeep tour was for a Tenerife Tourism blog and a chance to visit some old favourite spots, the first stop at the mirador of La Centinela was another nudge to dig out the walking shoes. The view over Arona municipality and across to San Miguel took my gaze over a pleasant stroll that starts just under the view point, I will pop back to refresh that route.

Vilaflor was the next stop off, I have done several of the walks around there so didn’t feel too guilty at enjoying the comfort of my hosts Tamaran. The weather has been a little patchy for the start of another year but it was bright and sunny all the way up the east of the island and in Teide National Park where natures sculpted rocks were stunning against a sharp blue sky. Heading back south down the western trail it was cloudier and cooler but that couldn’t detract from the sheer pleasure of dipping into Masca village – there’s another walk I need to repeat soon.

Prompted by a new walking guide from Arona Ayuntamiento (council) a short circular walk to Casas de Altavista seemed a good idea. It started from the Plaza del Cristo but unlike the more well known choices it turned left and took me past the football ground before rising up an old dirt track. The recent clouds had parted and some sun filtered through, the water gulleys were gurgling gently and the paragliders were swirling around the peak of Roque del Conde. Even the constant crack of hunters gunfire faded as I strode higher into the cool, fresh air with insects busily exploring the blooms and bushes.

Reaching the top of the old path as it joined a more modern tarmac road, I took a sandwich break and surveyed the scene, a further old trade path went on to link with Vilaflor and a few of the old barns and houses of the walk’s name showed a mix of renovations, some opting for traditional character and other choosing modern luxury. The downward route was along a tarmac road, there was little traffic and the bird song was hardly interrupted by modern transport and the almond blossom was in fine form. Part way down were two small rural hotels, what a great setting for a base to explore the less commercial side of the island.

Barely two hours into the walk I could see familiar roof tops and the tower of the Arona church, well it was only 3.5 kms but it was a useful kick start for longer challenges. The tight, steep final stretch of the road brought me into Arona town on the other side by the old Los Lavadores where clothes were washed at the natural source. The A.T Arona Café Restaurant tucked away just before the bus stop back to Los Cristianos refreshed my thirst and hunger and the sun popped out again as I ate in their little garden. I will pass this way again, Roque del Conde is overdue a repeat visit, a bigger challenge and one to look forward to.

Gratitude for our rescue from Segunda B, and sympathy for working under weak  management kept Alvaro Cervera clinging to his job as CD Tenerife coach but a 0-1 home defeat to Ponferradina looks to have sealed his fate. It was another poor display devoid of direction and ideas, the boos have been growing louder by the week and something had to give, maybe the first 10 minute fan protest opened the exit door but the sound of a paltry 6,650 crowd baying for change at the end will surely pushed him through it.

The players will bemoan their bad luck against a terrible referee but they must take their share of blame for the nosedive in form. There is a solid platform for the new boss to build on, the defence was again strong apart from the left back spot where first Igor Arnaez and then Albizua failed to cover for suspended Raul Camara. Dani Hernandez again shone in goal and Jorge is the big find of the season at centre back.

Aridane got a recall up front, he had the best chance with a first half header that pinged off the inside of the post into the keepers hands but his lack of mobility and poor awareness were clear to see. Former CD Tenerife player Acoran skinned Arnaez down the right in the 16th minute and crossed for Sobrino to score at the far post. The rain poured down and Cervera must have been reviewing his CV, the fan protests were three pronged with President Concepcion and Director of Football Serrano getting equal blame but the team looked stale and the coach’s tactics looked tired and inflexible.

The ref threw a possible lifeline when he sent off Infante on the half hour but even a man advantage couldn’t swing the game Tenerife’s way. Diego Ifran was always willing to shoot but he was trying to do too much on his own as always. Numbers were even 10 minutes into the second half after Moyano went off for a late tackle that deserved a yellow at most. Ponferradina went down as often as they could to preserve their lead and even managed a three on one break that Tenerife bundled clear. Guarrotxena was brought on too late to make any difference and as large sections of the crowd headed for home the rest turned their frustration on the three men calling the shots.

This was the start of the second half of the campaign so time is on our side even if the transfer window has less than a week to run. A new chapter is about to begin and we are as ever , hopeful.

Games in hand have to be turned into points and that’s just what CD Marino did with a first half demolition of SD Tenisca in a 2-1 home win on Wednesday afternoon. The blues left the door ajar in the second half and the La Palma visitors made things uncomfortable for them but now two points clear in their Tercera group Marino have plenty to be pleased about.

Tenisca looked a strong, skilful team in the opening minutes, Eslava had to stand firm to stop an early break and Sergio saved well from Miguel after a neat back header by Riki. Marino stirred into life and Nestor tested the Tenisca goalie with a crisp shot that he turned aside. A dipping strike from Chema kept Sergio busy as the action switched from end to end but with Kevin Castro in the starting line up Marino had plenty of their own skills to offer, the nippy young player burst down the right and put in a defence splitting cross that Balduino hammered into the net for a 1-0 lead with just 15 minutes gone.

Tenisca struggled to contain Kevin, for a slight player he showed lots of power and they resorted to hacking him down. Nestor had his eye on the goal as he carved his way through, Marcos made a clumsy tackle on him and he got up to convert a clear penalty. Marino were purring and should have buried Tenisca, Balduino spurned a couple of good positions, the second rising high over the bar. Nestor blasted wide, Kevin had the away defence in a panic and could have got his first senior goal, and a Nestor header missed the target.

A two goal lead at half time against genuine promotion rivals promised much for the second half but the visitors must have thought they had rode their luck and came back out determined to have their say. Spreading the ball wide on the right they found acres of room but the ball launched towards the Marino goal should have been cut out by Sergio, instead Marco was able to nip in and bulge the net to put the game back in the balance.
The more experienced Marchena came on for Kevin and tried his luck on the left flank with some success. Marino tightened up at the back but were still missing too many chances up front. Both sides had half hearted penalty appeals that didn’t trouble the ref.

Marino brought on another youth product, Jose Carlos and he showed a great appetite for the game and created havoc with his speed and skill, he fed a cracking pass across the goalmouth but Balduino at full stretch couldn’t quite get his boot to it. A trio of misses came in one late charge for Marino but it was a good three points and just reward for their earlier dominance.

Even multinational oil companies have to admit when their plans don’t bring any reward but CD Tenerife looked as blunt as a worn out drill when they bored their way to a 0-0 home draw with Numancia.

New loan goalkeeper Dani Hernandez made his debut and his sure handling was one of precious few bright spot in a dire game between two very poor teams. Jorge was back in the centre of defence for suspended Carlos Ruiz and he looks a class act, backed with a goalie they have confidence in the defence is not a worry but the lack of a credible second striker is really hurting the cause. It took half an hour for the first real shot, Suso roasted Juanma on the right and tried to set the ball up for Diego Ifran but Munir got down to smother at the post. Numancia had a go a few minutes later as Perez drew a good save out of Dani and Victor in his full home debut beat a defender on the left before seeing his soft shot easily saved.

Tenerife’s play was disjointed and lacking ideas, they resorted to slinging the ball across too often, Diego had to cover so much ground and pounced on a mistake by Munir just before the break but shot high. How bad were things? During the break the fans were talking about the need to bring Aridane on but it didn’t happen. Some games have 0-0 written all over them, this one had it engraved in gold with a cast iron guarantee. A blade of grass was seen to move on the hour and we were all transfixed to see if it would start growing, it didn’t and the stands paintwork was already dry so that was our entertainment all used up.

Inspiration was needed, Cervera brought on Ricardo for Cristo Martin with little effect and ten minutes later took off Victor for Guarrotxena but he got poor service and couldn’t take the strain off Diego. Perez tried a long shot that skipped past the home post and Diego had another half chance that Munir got a hand to. The 8,658 crowd started thinning out 10 minutes before the end and Cervera must have known what was coming, he is constantly booed pre game but the final whistle brought a stronger onslaught from all around the ground.

I laughed when I saw the man in the fish costume, but at least he was warm. The wind was whistling down Cornmarket Street and it seemed a large percentage was sneaking up the legs of my jeans. It’s always good to be back in Oxford, the last trip was in glorious July sunshine but this was a whole different kettle (or costume) of fish. At least no snow settled until my final morning but thewind chill increased steadily with each day.

With recent dramatic events I thought airport security would be heavier and slower but I sailed through Tenerife South and Gatwick and a speedy coach had me in Oxford in time for a few late beers at The Britannia near my Headington guest house. Heavy rain and a good, if standard, choice of real ales awaited me, Monday is their promotion night of 2.49 a pint, just softening me up for the more expensive stuff to come. My first look at town the next morning after the first of my daily 16 mile bus trips out to my mums care home in Wantage. The fields and rivers reflected many days of heavy rain but the bus still rattled along at a fair crack. Mum was in good form physically but her memory was hazier than ever.

Back in Oxford the sun popped its cold head out as the paths were being gritted and I was entertained by street musicians and the fish man. One old bloke was playing guitar and his fingers must have been plucking cold, mine certainly were. Later that night back in town for a few beers I noticed even more rough sleepers and beggars than ever in the shop doorways, a team of students were administering hot drinks and snacks which tempered my annoyance that students were being offered “discount” at the increasing number of money exchange shops. Over the next few days I managed to meet up with lots of old friends including a Co-Op office reunion out at The Evenlode at Eynsham but the dark brooding winter warmer ales I was after were proving elusive. A 4.5 Rudolphin from Whale Ale was the darkest and best I got.

Aside from the dashing around I did manage to indulge myself with a visit to the Ashmolean Museum, the last time I called was in a school party many, many years ago. What a brilliant place it is, now with a more modern outlook  and very user friendly, a far cry from the unwelcoming vault of history that I recalled. The imposing frontage was offset by a couple of large sculptures and a large lobby opened out into a sweeping stairwell that rose through the six floors with links to the 60 odd galleries. It’s a good trick keeping the sense of grandeur whilst making it easily accessible to enquiring minds – they have got the mix spot on. I peeked in at the café on the basement level, nice home made cakes and snacks, then I took the lift to the rooftop restaurant and was wowed by the bright and warm layout. The weather meant the open air terrace was sealed off but through the glass surround I got a tease of the views of the spires of the city and the Randolph Hotel opposite.

The food was up market and expensive but very imaginative, how about rabbit leg (14.50) or guinea fowl (16.00), and to tie in with their William Blake exhibition there were special menus from his era including duck, black pudding, and bacon at 21 pounds for three courses. I noticed the drinks included bottled real ales like Loose Canon from the Abingdon Bridge brewery, not a session drink at 4.65 for a 330 ml measure. It would be a great place to go for a special meal, I might squeeze my piggy bank for an open air meal if I pass through in the summer. The museum is free but they suggest a donation of 4 pounds and the collecting tubs had a lot of big notes in them. I only had time for a whirlwind tour, the next time I will set an afternoon aside.

Meanwhile outside it was getting colder, returning to town from the Rose and Crown in North Parade later that night the wind and sleet was cutting through me but at least I had some good ale inside me after wobbling down ice hockey memory lane with landlord Andrew Hall. My last night was a mini crawl of the city centre with some old drinking friends. It was Friday night and town was packed with students and locals, The Chequers was our starting point, as it had been some 30 plus years ago, it hasn’t   changed much, quite reassuring as other pubs have become trendy or supermarkets. The Wheatsheaf in the next alley was loud and rocking with heavy metal and classic rock, tattoos and piercings were on display, and that was just the women. Last call was The Bear, much smaller, much posher, but with good beer and a roaring fire to warm us up.

It was an early start on Saturday with Headington tinged with a dusting of snow for my return journey via Gatwick, I thought I was going to witness some air rage as the couple next to me on the plane rared up at the people in front who had reclined their seats. The stewardess defused it by moving my neighbours to a spare area leaving me to stretch out over three seats and free to enjoy the welcoming views of Tenerife as Mount Teide emerged through the clouds.